Spring loaded anvil retainer

ABSTRACT

A surgical stapling device including a handle assembly, a body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, a head portion including an anvil retainer and a shell assembly, the anvil retainer being movable in relation to the shell assembly between unapproximated and approximated positions, a tube surrounding a portion of the anvil retainer, wherein the anvil retainer includes a distal annular protrusion for releasably engaging an anvil assembly and wherein the anvil assembly includes a center rod.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/871,431, filed Apr. 26, 2013, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/661,464, filed Jun. 19, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a surgical instrument for applying surgical staples to body tissue. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a surgical stapling instrument suitable for performing circular anastomosis and/or treatment to internal walls of hollow tissue organs.

2. Background of Related Art

Anastomosis is the surgical joining of separate hollow organ sections. Typically, an anastomosis procedure follows surgery in which a diseased or defective section of hollow tissue is removed and the remaining end sections are to be joined. Depending on the desired anastomosis procedure, the end sections may be joined by either circular, end-to-end, end-to-side, or side-to-side organ reconstruction methods.

In a circular anastomosis procedure, the two ends of the organ sections are joined by means of a stapling instrument which drives a circular array of staples through the end section of each organ section and simultaneously cores any tissue interior of the driven circular array of staples to free the tubular passage. Examples of instruments for performing circular anastomosis of hollow organs are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,303,106; 6,053,390; 5,588,579; 5,119,983; 5,005,749; 4,646,745; 4,576,167; and 4,473,077, each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Typically, these instruments include an elongated shaft having a handle portion at a proximal end to actuate the instrument, an anvil retainer, and a staple holding component disposed at a distal end. An anvil assembly including an anvil rod with attached anvil head is mounted to the distal end of the instrument adjacent the staple holding component. Opposed end portions of tissue of the hollow organ(s) to be stapled are clamped between the anvil head and the staple holding component, via the anvil retainer. Typically, a first actuation mechanism is used to approximate the anvil head and the staple holding component to clamp the tissue. The clamped tissue is stapled by driving one or more staples from the staple holding component so that the ends of the staples pass through the tissue and are deformed by the anvil head. Typically, a second actuation mechanism is used to fire the staples. It is also common for an annular knife to be concurrently advanced to core tissue within the hollow organ to free a tubular passage within the organ.

Upon engaging the first actuation mechanism and approximating the anvil head and staple holding component, the anvil rod must pass through the aperture made in the tissue where the anvil retainer passed through. The problem typically arises that the aperture diameter made by the anvil retainer is too small for the anvil rod to pass through. As a result, excess tissue is pulled into the device when approximating the anvil head. Furthermore, the tissue in some procedures is tied to the trocar by a suture. The suture can fail to slide over the anvil during retraction, also leading to too much tissue being pulled into the device. Accordingly, a need exists for a device to prevent the excessive build up of tissue which is pulled into the device, specifically, a device for enabling the anvil head to pass through the aperture made by the anvil retainer.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to an anvil receiving apparatus including an anvil retainer coupled to a surgical device, and a tube surrounding a portion of the anvil retainer. The anvil retainer may include a distal annular protrusion for releasably engaging a center rod of an anvil assembly. The tube may have an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the center rod. Alternatively, the tube may have an outer diameter equal to the outer diameter of the center rod. The tube may include a distal tube and a proximal tube where the distal tube and proximal tubes are separated by a resilient member. The anvil retainer may further include a proximal protrusion to disable proximal movement of the proximal tube. Additionally, proximal advancement of the center rod onto the anvil retainer may cause proximal advancement of the distal tube toward the proximal tube. The anvil assembly may also include resilient arms with internal shoulders that releasably engage a distal annular protrusion of the anvil retainer.

The present disclosure also relates to a surgical stapling device including a handle assembly, a body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, and a head portion including an anvil retainer and a shell assembly. The anvil retainer may be movable in relation to the shell assembly between unapproximated and approximated positions. The anvil retainer may further include a tube surrounding a portion of the anvil retainer. The anvil retainer may include a distal annular protrusion for releasably engaging a center rod of an anvil assembly. The tube may have an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the center rod. Alternatively, the tube may have an outer diameter equal to the outer diameter of the center rod. The tube may include a distal tube and a proximal tube where the distal tube and proximal tubes are separated by a resilient member. The anvil retainer may further include a proximal protrusion to disable proximal movement of the proximal tube. Additionally, proximal advancement of the center rod onto the anvil retainer may cause proximal advancement of the distal tube toward the proximal tube. The anvil assembly may also include resilient arms with internal shoulders that releasably engage a distal annular protrusion of the anvil retainer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical stapling instrument are disclosed herein with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the distal end of the presently disclosed surgical stapling instrument illustrated in an unapproximated position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the proximal end of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the surgical stapling instrument of FIG. 1 illustrated in an approximated position;

FIG. 3B is a side view of the surgical stapling instrument of FIG. 1 illustrated in a fired position;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a surgical stapling instrument in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 4A with the attachment removed;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the handle assembly, with parts separated, of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the handle assembly of the surgical stapling device as shown in FIG. 1 with a handle section removed;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view, with parts separated, of the central body portion and distal head portion of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8A is an enlarged view of the area of detail of FIG. 7;

FIG. 8B is an enlarged side perspective view of the anvil retainer and band body portions of the central body portion and the screw and screw stop of the approximation mechanism of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view, with parts separated, and shown in perspective_from the proximal end of the anvil assembly of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 with the anvil assembly removed;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the area of detail in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view from the front of the distal end of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 10 with the anvil assembly removed;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view from the front of the distal end of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 12 with an anvil assembly attached;

FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the distal end of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15A is a side view of the anvil retainer, prior to being engaged to anvil assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15B is a side view of the anvil retainer of FIG. 15A subsequent to being engaged to anvil assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16A illustrates the anvil retainer of FIG. 15A with the surgical device in the unapproximated or open position prior to attachment of anvil assembly to the anvil retainer;

FIG. 16B is a view of the anvil retainer of FIG. 16A subsequent to anvil assembly and anvil retainer passing through tissue walls;

FIG. 16C is a view of the anvil retainer of FIG. 16B subsequent to engagement of anvil assembly and anvil retainer; and

FIG. 16D is a view of the anvil retainer of FIG. 16C with the surgical device in the approximated position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical stapling instrument will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views.

Throughout this description, the term “proximal” will refer to the portion of the instrument closest to the operator and the term “distal” will refer to the portion of the instrument furthest from the operator.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one preferred embodiment of the presently disclosed surgical stapling device shown generally as 10. Briefly, surgical stapling device 10 includes a proximal handle assembly 12, an elongated central body portion 14 including a curved elongated outer tube 14 a, and a distal head portion 16. Additionally or alternatively, in some surgical procedures, e.g., the treatment of hemorrhoids, it is desirable to have a substantially straight, preferably shortened, central body portion. The length, shape and/or the diameter of body portion 14 and head portion 16 may also be varied to suit a particular surgical procedure. The body portion may be flexible, or may have a flexible or articulating portion.

Handle assembly 12 includes a stationary handle 18, a firing trigger 20, a rotatable approximation knob 22 and an indicator 24. Stationary handle 18 is preferably formed from thermoplastic handle sections 18 a and 18 b, e.g., polycarbonate, (FIG. 5) which together define a housing for the internal components of handle assembly 12. Handle sections 18 a and 18 b are preferably secured together by sonic welding. Additionally or alternatively, other known securement techniques may be employed including screws, adhesives, snap-fit connectors, etc. The internal components of handle portion 12 will be discussed in detail below. Preferably, cushioned and/or resilient slip resistant portions such as a grip (not shown) can be fastened to or included as part of handle sections 18 a and 18 b and firing trigger 20. The slip resistant grip may be formed over handle sections 18 a and 18 b and firing trigger 20 using an overmolding procedure and may be formed from neoprene or rubber.

Additionally or alternatively, other suitable materials, e.g., elastomeric materials, and joining techniques may be employed. A pivotally mounted trigger lock 26 is fastened to handle assembly 12 and is manually positioned to prevent inadvertent firing of surgical stapling device 10. Indicator 24 is positioned on the stationary handle 18 and includes indicia, e.g., color coding, alphanumeric labeling, etc., to identify to a surgeon whether the device is approximated and is ready to be fired. Indicator 24 preferably has a bulbous or convex shape which extends outwardly from a top surface of handle sections 18 a and 18 b and is easily viewable by a surgeon from the top and sides of the stapling device.

Head portion 16 includes an anvil assembly 30 and a shell assembly 31. Each of these assemblies will be discussed in detail below. Except where otherwise noted, the components of surgical device 10 are generally formed from thermoplastics including polycarbonates, and metals including stainless steel and aluminum. The particular material selected to form a particular component will depend upon the strength requirements of the particular component. For example, the anvil is preferably formed from a metal, such as stainless steel, and the stationary handle is preferably formed from a thermoplastic such as polycarbonate. Additionally or alternatively, other materials not listed above, which preferably can withstand sterilization procedures, may be used to form components of surgical stapling device 10 provided the materials are suitable for surgical use and meet the strength requirements of the particular component.

Turning now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, in operation, rotation of approximation knob 22 causes movement of anvil assembly 30 in relation to shell assembly 31 between spaced (FIGS. 1 and 2) and approximated (FIGS. 3A and 3B) positions, as approximation knob 22 is mechanically engaged with anvil retainer 38 (FIG. 7), which is fastened to anvil assembly 30. It is envisioned that rotation of approximation knob 22 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) causes proximal movement of anvil assembly 30 (i.e., towards its approximated position), and rotation of approximation mechanism 22 in a second opposite direction (e.g., counter-clockwise) causes distal movement of anvil assembly 30 (i.e., towards its spaced position) when anvil assembly 30 is attached to anvil retainer 38. Details of the approximation mechanism are disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 7,303,106, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Actuation of firing trigger 20 towards stationary handle 18, causes staples to be ejected from shell assembly 31 towards anvil assembly 30. That is, firing trigger 20 is disposed in mechanical cooperation with a pusher (FIG. 7), such that actuation of firing trigger 20 causes advancement of the pusher into contact with the staples, which ejects into staple deforming pockets of anvil assembly 30. Details of the firing are disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 7,303,106, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

With additional reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, it is also contemplated that, in certain embodiments, the apparatus has a replaceable head 30 a including the cartridge assembly, anvil member 30 and associated mechanisms. The stapling device can include the manual stapling device 10 of FIG. 1 and as described herein, or can include a powered stapling device 10′ having first and second drive members as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. For example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/946,082, filed Nov. 15, 2010, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses a surgical device (shown as surgical stapling device 10′ in FIGS. 4A and 4B herein) having a powered actuator assembly. Such actuator assembly can be powered by a motorized handle. The drive members, in some embodiments, are rotatable drive shafts that advance the pusher member to fire staples, advance a knife to cut tissue, and retract the anvil retainer to clamp tissue. It is also contemplated that the stapling device 10′ can be configured to apply two or three rows of staples, and that the staples can have a curved or bent backspan, in any of the embodiments disclosed herein. In any of the disclosed embodiments, the staples in the shell assembly can be all the same sizes, or the sizes can vary. For example, it is contemplated that the staples in a row of staples can have a different size from the staples in another row. The spring loaded anvil retainer 38 of the present disclosure may be used with both surgical stapling devices 10, 10′. However, for the sake of simplicity, the anvil retainer 38 will be described in use with stapling device 10, and it is noted that its use with stapling device 10′ is substantially similar.

FIGS. 5-6 illustrate the internal components of handle assembly 12. The internal components include the proximal components of approximation and firing mechanisms, a firing lockout mechanism and an indicator drive mechanism. FIGS. 7 and 8A illustrate the internal components of elongated body portion 14. These components include the distal components of the approximation and firing mechanisms. Each of these mechanisms will be disclosed in detail hereinbelow.

Referring to FIGS. 5-8A and 8B, the approximation mechanism includes approximation knob 22, a drive screw 32, a rotatable sleeve 33, first and second screw extensions 34 and 36 (FIG. 7), respectively, and an anvil retainer 38. Rotatable sleeve 33 includes a substantially cylindrical hollow body portion 40 and a substantially cylindrical collar 42 which together define a central bore 33 a. Collar 42 has an annular groove 44 formed thereabout which is dimensioned to receive an inwardly extending flange 46 formed on an inner wall of handle sections 18 a and 18 b. Engagement between groove 44 and flanges 46 axially fixes sleeve 33 within handle 18 while permitting rotation of sleeve 33 in relation to stationary handle 18. The proximal end of body portion 40 of rotatable sleeve 33 extends through an opening 186 in the proximal end of stationary handle 18. A pair of diametrically opposed elongated ribs 48 are positioned or formed on the outer surface of body portion 40. Approximation knob 22 includes a pair of internal slots 49 a positioned to receive ribs 48 of sleeve 33 to rotatably fix sleeve 33 to knob 22, such that rotation of knob 22 causes concurrent rotation of sleeve 33.

The proximal half of screw 32 includes a helical channel 50 and is dimensioned to be slidably positioned within central bore 33 a of rotatable sleeve 33. The distal end of screw 32 includes an annular recess 35 dimensioned to receive a seal member 37 (FIG. 5) for providing a fluid tight seal between the outer surface of screw 32 and the inner surface of pusher link 74. A pin 52 (FIG. 5) extends radially through cylindrical collar 42 of sleeve 33 into helical channel 50. Since sleeve 33 is axially fixed with respect to stationary handle 18, rotation of sleeve 33 about screw 32 causes pin 52 to move along channel 50 of screw 32 to effect axial movement of screw 32 within stationary handle 18.

Referring to FIGS. 7-8A and 8B, the distal end of screw 32 includes a transverse slot 54. Top and bottom screw extensions 34 and 36 (FIG. 7) each include a proximally located flexible flat band portion 58 and a distally located flat band portion 60. Alternately, it is envisioned that screw extensions 34 and 36 may have other than a band configuration. For example, screw extensions 34 and 36 may be semi-circular or circular in cross-section. The flexibility of top and bottom screw extensions 34 and 36 permits movement of screw extensions 34 and 36 through curved elongated body portion 14. The proximal end of each band portion 58, 60 includes a hole 62 dimensioned to receive a pin 64 for securing the proximal end of screw extensions 34 and 36 within transverse slot 54 of screw 32. Alternately, other fastening techniques may be used to secure each band portion 58 to screw 32, e.g., welding, crimping, etc. Distally located band portion 60 of each screw extension 34 and 36 is dimensioned to be received within a transverse slot 66 formed in a proximal end of anvil retainer 38 (FIG. 8A) to fasten anvil retainer 38 to the distal end of screw extensions 34 and 36. Preferably, a pair of pins 66 a which extend through the proximal end of anvil retainer 38 and band portions 60 are used to secure screw extensions 34 and 36 to anvil retainer 38. Additionally or alternatively, band portions 60 can be brazed or welded within slot 66 or other fastening techniques may be used to secure band portions 60 of screw extensions 34 and 36 to anvil retainer 38, e.g., screws, crimping, etc. Anvil retainer 38 includes a distal annular protrusion 177 b (FIG. 8A) which is configured to engage the anvil assembly 30 (FIG. 1) in a manner to be discussed in detail below. Additionally or alternatively, distal protrusion 177 b need not be annular or may include different attachment structure, e.g., recesses, grooves, etc.

Referring again to FIGS. 5-8A and 8B, when approximation knob 22 is manually rotated, rotatable sleeve 33 is rotated about the proximal end of screw 32 to move pin 52 along helical channel 50 of screw 32. Since sleeve 33 is axially fixed to stationary handle 18, as pin 52 is moved through channel 50, screw 32 is advanced or retracted within stationary handle 18. As a result, top and bottom screw extensions 34 and 36, which are fastened to the distal end of screw 32, and anvil retainer 38, which is fastened to the distal end of screw extensions 34 and 36, are moved axially within elongated body portion 14. Since anvil assembly 30 is secured to the distal end of anvil retainer 38, rotation of approximation knob 22 will effect movement of anvil assembly 30 in relation to shell assembly 31 between spaced and approximated positions.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, the firing mechanism includes firing trigger 20, a firing link 72 and an elongated pusher link 74 (FIG. 7). Firing trigger 20 includes a body portion 76 and a trigger cover 80. A cushioned gripping surface (not shown) preferably formed of neoprene or rubber is provided on trigger cover 80. The cushioned gripping surface provides a non-slip cushioned surface to make actuation of surgical stapling device 10 more comfortable to a surgeon. The distal end of body portion 76 of trigger 20 is pivotally connected to a coupling member 86 by a pivot member 84. Coupling member 86 is secured to the proximal end of pusher link 74 and may be formed integrally with pusher link 74 or as a separate element fastened thereto. Firing link 72 has a distal end pivotally secured to body portion 76 of trigger 20 by a pivot member 87 and a second end pivotally secured within a vertical slot 82 formed between stationary handle half-sections 18 a and 18 b of stationary handle 18 by pivot member 79. Pivot member 79 is free to move vertically within slot 82. A spring (not shown) is supported within handle 18 to urge pivot member 79 downwardly towards the bottom of slot 82. Body portion 76 of trigger 20 further includes a pair of abutments including an abutment 89 and an abutment 91 which are positioned to engage the distal end 26 a (FIG. 6) of trigger lock 26 in a manner to be described in greater detail below to prevent actuation of trigger 20 prior to approximation of surgical stapling device 10.

Coupling member 86 which is supported on the proximal end of elongated pusher link 74 includes a flange 104 (FIG. 7). A spring 106 is positioned between a proximal end of outer tube 14 a and flange 104 (FIG. 6) to bias pusher link 74 proximally to a retracted, non-fired position. A pair of wings 108 extends radially outwardly from coupling member 86. Wings 108 are dimensioned to slide along channels 111 (FIG. 5) formed along the internal walls of stationary handle 18 to maintain proper alignment of pusher link 74 within stationary handle 18 during firing of device 10.

Referring to FIG. 7, the distal end of pusher link 74 includes a pair of engagement fingers 110 which are dimensioned to lockingly engage with members 220 formed in the proximal end of pusher back 186. Pusher back 186 forms part of shell assembly 31 and will be discussed in greater detail below. Pusher link 74 is preferably formed from a flexible plastic material and includes a plurality of notches 187 which allow the pusher link to bend more easily as it moves through body 14. Pusher link 74 defines a hollow channel 75 for slidably receiving the approximation mechanism. A flat surface or cutout 74 a (FIG. 7) formed in pusher link 74 slidably supports screw extensions 34 and 36 which are positioned in juxtaposed alignment. Spacers 77 are positioned within outer tube 14 a adjacent cutout 74 a to provide additional support for screw extensions 34 and 36 and pusher link 74 to prevent each component from buckling during actuation. An annular channel 74 b is formed about pusher link 74 to receive an O-ring seal 74 c. Pusher link 74 is slidably positioned within body portion 14 such that O-ring 74 c seals the space between pusher link 74 and an internal wall of outer tube 14 a. Operation of the firing mechanism of the device will be described in detail below.

Referring again to FIGS. 5-7, when firing trigger 20 is actuated, i.e., pivoted about pivot member 84, firing link 72 is moved proximally until pivot member 79 engages an abutment surface (not shown) formed on screw stop 306 (FIG. 5). Screw stop 306 is axially fixed to screw 32 in a manner to be described in detail below. Thereafter, the firing trigger 20 advances the pusher link 74 distally against the bias of spring 106. Since the distal end of pusher link 74 is connected to pusher back 186, actuation of firing trigger 20 effects advancement of pusher back 186 within shell assembly 31 to eject staples from shell assembly 31 in a manner to be described below.

Referring to FIG. 7, shell assembly 31 includes a shell 182, a pusher back 186, a cylindrical knife 188, and a staple guide 192. Shell 182 includes an outer housing portion 194 and an inner guide portion 196 having grooves 196 a for mating with splines 181 on anvil center rod 154 (FIG. 9). Features other than splines are contemplated, and the anvil center rod may not have any protruding features. Outer housing portion 194 defines a throughbore 198 having a distal cylindrical section 200, a central conical section 202 and a proximal smaller diameter cylindrical section 204. A plurality of openings 206 are formed in conical section 202. Openings 206 are dimensioned to permit fluid and tissue passage during operation of the device. A pair of diametrically opposed flexible engagement members 207 are formed on proximal cylindrical section 204 of shell 182. Engagement members 207 are positioned to be received in openings 207 a formed on the distal end of outer tube 14 a to secure shell 182 to elongated body 14. A pair of openings 211 formed in the proximal end of outer tube 14 a are dimensioned to receive protrusions (not shown) formed on the internal wall of stationary handle 18 to facilitate attachment of tube 14 a to handle portion 12.

Pusher back 186 includes a central throughbore 208 which is slidably positioned about inner guide portion 196 of shell 182. Pusher back 186 includes a distal cylindrical section 210 which is slidably positioned within distal cylindrical section 200 of shell 182, a central conical section 212 and a proximal smaller diameter cylindrical section 214. The proximal end of pusher back 186 includes members 220 which are configured to lockingly engage with resilient fingers 110 of pusher link 74 to fasten pusher link 74 to pusher back 186 such that a distal face of pusher link 74 abuts a proximal face of pusher back 186.

The distal end of pusher back 186 includes a pusher 190. Pusher 190 includes a multiplicity of distally extending fingers 226 dimensioned to be slidably received within slots 228 formed in staple guide 192 to eject staples 230 therefrom. Cylindrical knife 188 is frictionally retained within the central throughbore of pusher back 186 to fixedly secure knife 188 in relation to pusher 190. Alternately, knife 188 may be retained within pusher back 186 using adhesives, crimping, pins, etc. The distal end of knife 188 includes a circular cutting edge 234.

In operation, when pusher link 74 is advanced distally in response to actuation of firing trigger 20, as will be described below, pusher back 186 is advanced distally within shell 182. Advancement of pusher back 186 advances fingers 226 through slots 228 of staple guide 192 to advance staples 230 positioned within slots 228 and ejects staples 230 from staple guide 192 into staple deforming pockets 140 of anvil 129. Since knife 188 is secured to pusher back 186, knife 188 is also advanced distally to core tissue as will be described in more detail below.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 7, and additionally referring to FIG. 9, a rigid bushing 209 is supported in the proximal end of inner guide portion 196 of shell 182. Bushing 209 defines a throughbore dimensioned to slidably receive anvil retainer 38 and center rod 154 of anvil assembly 30. Bushing 209 provides lateral support for flexible arms 155 of center rod 154 when the anvil assembly 30 has been approximated to prevent disengagement of anvil assembly 30 from anvil retainer 38. In the unapproximated position, flexible arms 155 of center rod 154 are positioned externally of bushing 209 to permit removal of anvil assembly 30 from retainer 38.

Operation of surgical stapling device 10 with respect to the attachment of anvil assembly 30 to anvil retainer 38 will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 10-16.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate surgical stapling device 10 in the unapproximated or open position prior to attachment of anvil assembly 30 to anvil retainer 38. In this position, and referring back to FIG. 5, biasing member (not shown) is engaged with coupling 86 to urge pusher link 74 to its proximal-most position in which coupling 86 abuts screw-stop 306. Biasing member 512 is engaged with slide member 500 of the indicator mechanism to position slide member 500 in engagement with projection 518 of indicator 24 to pivot indicator 24 in a clockwise direction. Biasing member 549 is engaged with body 536 of lockout member 530 to urge lockout member 530 to its distal-most position, wherein lip portion 542 of lockout member 530 is positioned above extension 26 b of trigger lock 26 to prevent movement of trigger lock 26 to the unlocked position. Biasing member 82 a is also engaged with pivot member 79 to urge pivot member 79 to the base of vertical slot 82.

FIGS. 13-14 illustrate surgical stapling device 10 with anvil assembly 30 attached to anvil retainer 38 and the surgical stapling device 10 in the unapproximated or open position. Referring to FIG. 14, during attachment of anvil assembly 30 to anvil retainer 38, anvil retainer 38 is positioned within bore 170 of center rod 154 of anvil assembly 30. Flexible arms 155 of the center rod deflect outwardly to accommodate the anvil retainer 38. Center rod 154 is advanced onto anvil retainer 38 in the direction indicated by arrow “K” in FIG. 14 which pushes section 165 of the anvil retainer proximal as it compresses 162. This allows internal shoulder 155 b of flexible arms 155 to pass over annular protrusion 177 formed on anvil retainer 38. At this point, flexible arms 155 releasably engage the anvil retainer 38. The position of the remaining components of stapling device 10 are not affected by attachment of anvil assembly 30 to anvil retainer 38 and remain as described above and shown in FIG. 10-12.

As shown in FIGS. 15A-15B, anvil retainer 38 may be disposed through a proximal tube 160 and a distal tube 165. Anvil retainer 38 includes a proximal annular protrusion 177 a, and distal annular protrusion 177 b. A resilient member 162 is disposed between proximal tube 160 and distal tube 165. A proximal end 160 a of proximal tube 160 lays flush with proximal protrusion 177 a such that proximal protrusion 177 a restricts proximal translation of proximal tube 160. In addition, a distal end 160 b of proximal tube 160 is disposed adjacent to a proximal portion 162 a of resilient member 162. A distal portion 162 b of resilient member 162 is disposed adjacent to a proximal end 165 a of distal tube 165. Distal tube 165 is slidingly engaged with anvil retainer 38 such that distal tube 165 may translate proximally toward proximal tube 160.

The outer diameter “D” of center rod 154 may be equal to the outer diameter “d” of distal tube 165 and/or proximal tube 160. With such an arrangement, when anvil assembly 30 is engaged with anvil retainer 38, the outer perimeter of center rod 154 will lay flush with the outer perimeter of distal tube 165 and/or proximal tube 160. Additionally, or alternatively, the outer diameter “D” of center rod 154 may be less than the outer diameter “d” of distal tube 165 and/or proximal tube 160. When the outer diameter “D” of center rod 154 is less than the outer diameter “d” of distal tube 165 and/or proximal tube 160, then the outer perimeter of the center rod 154 will not lay flush with the outer perimeter of the anvil retainer 38.

Referring specifically to FIG. 15A, anvil assembly 30 is shown prior to being engaged with anvil retainer 38. This arrangement displays anvil retainer 38 in its original position where proximal tube 160 is spaced apart from distal tube 165. Resilient member 162 provides an outward force against distal end 160 b of proximal tube 160 and proximal end 165 a of distal tube 165. With the force applied by resilient member 162, the proximal end 160 a of proximal tube 160 is resting against proximal protrusion 177 a of anvil retainer 38. In addition, the distal end 165 b of distal tube 165 rests against distal protrusion 177 b.

Turning now to FIG. 15B, anvil assembly 30 is shown attached to anvil retainer 38. During attachment of anvil assembly 30 to anvil retainer 38, anvil retainer 38 is positioned within bore 170 of center rod 154 of anvil assembly 30. Flexible arms 155 deflect outwardly to accommodate center rod 154. Center rod 154 is advanced onto anvil retainer 38 in the direction indicated by arrow “K” until internal shoulder 155 b of flexible arms 155 passes over distal annular protrusion 177 b formed on anvil retainer 38. Prior to the internal shoulders 155 b of flexible arms 155 passing over distal annular protrusion 177 b, and upon advancement of center rod 154 onto anvil retainer 38, the proximal end 154 e of center rod 154 engages with the distal end 165 b of distal tube 165 such that the proximal advancement of center rod 154 translates distal tube 165 proximally toward proximal tube 160, until flexible arms 155 releasably engage the anvil retainer 38, i.e. internal shoulders 155 b releasably engage with distal annular protrusion 177 b.

As described above, when anvil assembly 30 is engaged with anvil retainer 38, the outer perimeter of center rod 154 of anvil assembly 30 will lay flush with the outer perimeter of distal tube 165 and/or proximal tube 160 of anvil retainer 38. The outer diameter “D” of center rod 154 may be equal to the outer diameter “d” of distal tube 165 and/or proximal tube 160. Additionally, or alternatively, the outer diameter “D” of center rod 154 may be less than the outer diameter “d” of distal tube 165 and/or proximal tube 160. When the outer diameter “D” of center rod 154 is less than the outer diameter “d” of distal tube 165 and/or proximal tube 160, then the outer perimeter of the center rod 154 will not lay flush with the outer perimeter of the anvil retainer 38.

A method of using surgical stapling device 10 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 16A-16C.

FIG. 16A illustrates surgical stapling device 10 in the unapproximated or open position prior to attachment of anvil assembly 30 to anvil retainer 38, and prior to anvil retainer 38 being pierced through tissue wall “W” and prior to anvil assembly 30 being pierced through tissue wall “T.” In this position, and referring briefly to FIGS. 5 and 7, biasing member 106 is engaged with coupling 86 to urge pusher link 74 to its proximal-most position in which coupling 86 abuts screw-stop 306. Biasing member 512 is engaged with slide member 500 of the indicator mechanism to position slide member 500 in engagement with projection 518 of indicator 24 to pivot indicator 24 in a clockwise direction. Biasing member 549 is engaged with body 536 of lockout member 530 to urge lockout member 530 to its distal-most position, wherein lip portion 542 of lockout member 530 is positioned above extension 26 b of trigger lock 26 to prevent movement of trigger lock 26 to the unlocked position. Biasing member 82 a is also engaged with pivot member 79 to urge pivot member 79 to the base of vertical slot 82. In this position, anvil retainer 38 is urged through tissue wall “W” and anvil assembly 30 is urged through tissue wall “T.” Additionally, or alternatively, tissue walls “W,” “T” may be cut and opened to allow the passage of anvil retainer 38 and/or anvil assembly 30, respectively, therethrough. In this arrangement, a suture may be used to tie tissue walls “W,” “T” to anvil assembly 30 and anvil retainer 38.

Turning now to FIG. 16B, surgical stapling device 10 is shown in the unapproximated position with anvil retainer 38 pierced through tissue wall “W” and anvil assembly 30 pierced through tissue wall “T.” In this position, anvil assembly 30 is ready to be engaged with anvil retainer 38. As shown in FIG. 16B, tissue wall “W” surrounds the proximal tube 160 of anvil retainer 38.

Turning now to FIG. 16C, surgical stapling device 10 is shown in the unapproximated position with anvil retainer 38 pierced through tissue wall “W” and anvil assembly 30 pierced through tissue wall “T” and anvil assembly 30 engaged with anvil retainer 38. As described above, during attachment of anvil assembly 30 to anvil retainer 38, anvil retainer 38 is positioned within bore 170 of center rod 154 of anvil assembly 30. Flexible arms 155 deflect outwardly to accommodate center rod 154. Center rod 154 is advanced onto anvil retainer 38 in the direction indicated by arrow “K.” Advancement of center rod 154 onto anvil retainer 38 results in the proximal advancement of distal tube 165 toward proximal tube 160. Center rod 154 is advanced onto anvil retainer 38 until internal shoulder 155 b of flexible arms 155 passes over distal annular protrusion 177 b formed on anvil retainer 38. At this point, flexible arms 155 releasably engage the anvil retainer 38. The position of the remaining components of surgical stapling device 10 is not affected by attachment of anvil assembly 30 to anvil retainer 38 and remains as described above.

Turning now to FIG. 16D, surgical stapling device 10 is shown with anvil retainer 38 (now internal to surgical stapling device 10) attached to anvil assembly 30, and the surgical stapling device 10 in the approximated or closed position. As discussed above, and referring briefly back to FIGS. 5-8, surgical stapling device 10 is moved to the approximated or closed position by rotating rotation knob 22. Rotation of knob 22 causes cylindrical sleeve 33 to rotate to move pin 52 along helical channel 50 of screw 32. Movement of pin 52 15 along helical channel 50 causes screw 32 to translate proximally within sleeve 33. The distal end of screw 32 is connected to screw extensions 34 and 36 which are fastened at their distal ends to anvil retainer 38. As such, retraction of screw 32 within sleeve 33 is translated into 20 proximal movement of anvil retainer 38 and anvil assembly 30.

During approximation of anvil retainer 38 and anvil assembly 30 into surgical stapling device 10, tissue wall “W” slides over proximal tube 160, distal tube 165, and center rod 154 of anvil assembly 30. As described above, the outer diameter “d” of distal tube 165 and/or proximal tube 160 is either equal to or greater than the outer diameter “D” of anvil assembly 30. With the outer diameters in this configuration, tissue wall “W” may slide over center rod 154 of anvil assembly 30 and thus tissue wall “W” will refrain from being pulled into surgical stapling device 10.

Further details of other features of surgical instrument 10, such as the approximation assembly, firing assembly, and lock out mechanism are disclosed in commonly-owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,168,604 and 7,303,106, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated by reference herein.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of disclosed embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto. 

1-18. (canceled)
 19. An anvil retaining apparatus, comprising: an anvil retainer including a proximal portion configured to be operatively coupled to a surgical device, and a distal portion having a protrusion configured to be coupled to an anvil; and a tube disposed about the anvil retainer, wherein the tube is movable relative to and along the anvil retainer between a distal position, in which the protrusion is disposed within the tube, and a proximal position, in which a portion of the protrusion is disposed outside of the tube.
 20. The anvil retaining apparatus of claim 19, wherein the tube includes: a proximal tube; a distal tube; and a resilient member disposed between the proximal tube and the distal tube.
 21. The anvil retaining apparatus of claim 20, wherein the proximal tube is prevented from moving proximally along the anvil retainer.
 22. The anvil retaining apparatus of claim 20, wherein the distal tube is slidable relative to and along the anvil retainer toward the proximal tube.
 23. The anvil retaining apparatus of claim 20, wherein the distal tube is slidable relative to and along the anvil retainer between the proximal position, in which the distal tube is disposed a first distance from the proximal tube, and the distal position, in which the distal tube is disposed a second distance from the proximal tube, greater than the first distance.
 24. The anvil retaining apparatus of claim 20, wherein the resilient member biases the distal tube toward the distal position.
 25. The anvil retaining apparatus of claim 20, wherein the resilient member is a coil spring having a proximal portion disposed adjacent a distal portion of the proximal tube, and a distal portion disposed adjacent a proximal portion of the distal tube.
 26. The anvil retaining apparatus of claim 19, wherein the protrusion is annular.
 27. A surgical stapler, comprising: a handle assembly; a body portion extending distally from the handle assembly; an anvil assembly including: an anvil; an anvil retainer having a proximal portion configured to be operatively coupled to the handle assembly, and a distal portion having a protrusion for selective coupling to the anvil; and a tube disposed about the anvil retainer and movable relative to and along the anvil retainer between a distal position, in which the protrusion is disposed within the tube, and a proximal position, in which a portion of the protrusion is disposed outside of the tube; and a shell assembly coupled to the body portion, the anvil retainer being movable in relation to the shell assembly, in response to an actuation of the handle assembly, between an unapproximated position and an approximated position.
 28. The surgical stapler of claim 27, wherein the tube is fixed in the proximal position when the anvil is coupled to the anvil retainer.
 29. The surgical stapler of claim 27, wherein the anvil includes a center rod defining a bore therethrough configured for receipt of the distal portion of the anvil retainer.
 30. The surgical stapler of claim 29, wherein the center rod defines a recess therein in communication with the bore, the recess configured to selectively receive the protrusion.
 31. The surgical stapler of claim 30, wherein the recess is configured to capture the protrusion therein such that movement of the anvil retainer effects movement of the anvil when the protrusion is disposed within the recess.
 32. The surgical stapler of claim 29, wherein the tube has an outer diameter larger than an outer diameter of the center rod.
 33. The surgical stapler of claim 29, wherein the tube has an outer diameter equal to an outer diameter of the center rod.
 34. The surgical stapler of claim 29, wherein the center rod is configured to effect proximal movement of the tube from the proximal position toward the distal position upon proximal movement of the center rod relative to and along the anvil retainer.
 35. The surgical stapler of claim 27, wherein the tube includes: a proximal tube; a distal tube; and a resilient member disposed between the proximal tube and the distal tube.
 36. The surgical stapler of claim 35, wherein the distal tube is slidable relative to and along the anvil retainer toward the proximal tube.
 37. The surgical stapler of claim 35, wherein the distal tube is slidable relative to and along the anvil retainer between the proximal position, in which the distal tube is disposed a first distance from the proximal tube, and the distal position, in which the distal tube is disposed a second distance from the proximal tube, greater than the first distance.
 38. The surgical stapler of claim 27, wherein the protrusion is annular. 